NBA Urges Players to Take Extra Precautions After Recent Burglaries
High-Profile Break-Ins
The NBA has sent a memo to its team officials urging players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr., and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
FBI Investigation
According to the memo, the FBI has connected some burglaries to "transnational South American Theft Groups" that are "reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices."
Details of the Break-Ins
Conley’s home was broken into on September 15 when he was at a Minnesota Vikings game and jewelry was taken, officials told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Portis said his home was broken into on November 2 and has offered a $40,000 reward for information related to the incident. The homes of Mahomes and Kelce were broken into within days of each other last month, according to law enforcement reports, and the NFL issued a similar warning memo to its teams this week.
Recommendations from the NBA
The NBA memo, relaying information from the FBI, said the theft rings "are primarily focused on cash and items that can be resold on the black market, such as jewelry, watches, and luxury bags." The NBA recommended that players install updated alarm systems with cameras and utilize them whenever leaving the home, keeping valuables in locked and secured safes, remove online real estate listings that may show interior photos of a home, "utilize protective guard services" during extended trips from the home, and even suggested having dogs assist with home protection.
Reactions from the Players
"Obviously, it’s frustrating, disappointing, but I can’t get into too many of the details because the investigation is still ongoing," Mahomes recently said. "But, obviously, something you don’t want to happen to anybody, but obviously yourself." Portis said, "They took most of my prized possessions."
Conclusion
The recent burglaries of high-profile athletes’ homes are a sobering reminder of the importance of taking extra precautions to secure one’s home. The NBA’s recommendations are a proactive step in helping its players protect themselves and their property from these sophisticated theft rings.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of the theft rings?
A: The theft rings are primarily focused on cash and items that can be resold on the black market, such as jewelry, watches, and luxury bags.
Q: How can players protect themselves?
A: The NBA recommends installing updated alarm systems with cameras, keeping valuables in locked and secured safes, removing online real estate listings that may show interior photos of a home, utilizing protective guard services during extended trips from the home, and even having dogs assist with home protection.
Q: What is the FBI investigating?
A: The FBI is investigating the connection between the burglaries and "transnational South American Theft Groups" that are "reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies."
